Metatarsus Stress Fracture?

I've recently started barefoot running (and absolutely love it).. but think I've been over-extending my stride, and as a result might have developed an injury on my left foot. It's been sore on the top for a few days now. I did some research based on the amount and site of the pain, and seems like I might have a Metatarsal Stress Fracture... or possibly just bruising of those bones..

The pain does seem to be very slowly fading away.. but at a rate that keeps me worried it could be slightly serious. I have NO health insurance, and I know that they wouldn't be able to do much for me anyway.. So my plan is just to do low-no impact cardio for the next couple of months. Things like swimming.. and biking.

My question is to any other runners, or someone with possible experience with this injury. Is there anything specific I could be doing to protect my foot, or help it heal faster? And don't tell me to go see a doctor. I'm broke. Not retarded.

About 15 years ago I broke my foot ( a small bone) playing basketball. I was in denial at the time and went to work that night without going to the doctors. I was in so much pain by the end of the night that I had to go to the ER. I was in a cast for about 3 weeks. I wish you the best Kentucky Tuss!!

If you can ..... somehow get an XrayOnly to see where and how bad the fracture ... if it is a fracture ... isUsually these fractures are self-limiting and will go away if you rest it and don't do anything stupid for a while

Fractures take 6 - 8 weeks to heal if there are no extenuating circumstances Now if the bones have displaced themselves or shifted you're looking at the possibility of a protracted healing period or it not healing at alllastly, if the fracture is through a joint there is the possibility of residual arthritis

TRDMRK saidi still don't understand how after so many years and having it be something reliable amongst almost all civilizations, people came upon the conclusion that wearing shoes could possibly be bad for u. you're not running in ballerina heels, you're running in shoes!

There are muscles in our foot that evolved long before Mesopotamia, who's primary function are to provide support, and balance. The artificial supports in shoes are designed to enhance, and replace this. Instead of encouraging these muscles to grow stronger and provide their own support, their function is taken away and the shoe does the job for them. Shoes provide stability and support for a weak foot.. but ultimately keep your foot weak. There are still several countries in the modern world in which people do not wear any form of shoe. I'm not sure what ballet has to do with this.

As well, a shoe is a type of medical accessory. There are advances in the medical field every day that gain huge popularity, only to be recalled later on as having horrible side effects. Not every invention does what it claims, and not every popular invention is necessary.

"more than likely, that could've been avoided by the support your foot would've had wrapped around it by the tongue of the shoe and it's shoelaces.. it's only logical."

Barefoot running shoes provide the same "wrap-around" support of a normal shoe. None. The pressure from running that can potentially injure your foot comes from underneath the bone, and from the bone pushing down onto the ground out of resistance. It's only logical.

"i've gone to a forest and ran a little barefoot too, i enjoyed it, it's cool, no big deal.. never in my right mind will i just suddenly take to the park and start running 5 barefoot miles all of a sudden though.. i'd consider that to be pretty stupid. ur feet are not used to it, give it a break."

Never in my right mind would I get into a submarine and dive miles into the ocean. But the fact that I would never do it doesn't negate it's benefit to others. You're right about my feet not being used to it. That's why they were injured when I overworked them. This is in EXACT CORRELATION to how the muscles in your body aren't used to lifting weights, when you first start to exercise. I would never tell someone to just... quit, or not do something, because they weren't used to it. And it has absolutely ZERO do to with my I.Q. So calling it stupid is... stupid.

Part of me wonders if you're a little bitter about what I said in your "self tattoo" thread. It really sounds like you're really stretching for some of the arguments you make.. not to mention the comment you left on my profile. If that's the case.. I really wish you'd get over it man. There's really no point to turning this into a interwebs homo-drama-fest.

That being said.. I saw a doctor and got the X-rays done. He diagnosed me just with a bad case of tendinitis, saying that the pain would be the same as if I had broken a bone. I've been running on it this past week for only 1-2 mile stretches and it's feeling great. I'm gonna make sure to ease my way into things now...

Assuming that there is no injury to your foot ( no fractures or the beginning of osteoporosis arthritis or some kind of loose bone rubbing against your foot) and you still want to continue running barefoot. I would highly consider running on the beach if you have one close by

I fractured a metatarsal last year, though that was via blunt force (loaded inverted leg press platform came down on me, after I didn't properly latch it).

Thinking it was just a hyperextension strain, I actually waited three weeks before getting x-rays, by which time the bones had already set and were so well healed that the orthopedist didn't think I needed to do much else.

He did say that while bones tend to heal in 6-8 weeks, the surrounding soft tissue can take a very long time to truly feel back to normal. I don't know if that is the situation in your case. But that said, it turned out the orthopedist was out of network for my health insurance, and even still it was only $75 for the xrays. Speak to them up front, and it may not be a big deal. (Just dont go to the ER for something this "routine", unless you WANT hundreds of dollars in bills).

THe fact that you started barefoot running is what I would guess to be the cause.You no longer have the padding offered by tennis shoes and your feet are taking more 'stress'. Which will cause the bones and cartilage to 'reshape' in a way to absorb the impact better.The only way to run is barefooted.

I always do a light wrap around the arches of my feet before I go for a run or hike.

mnboy said I always do a light wrap around the arches of my feet before I go for a run or hike.

I own a pair of Vibrams I run in, to keep my feet from being hurt by rocks, or glass.

Other than that, I already figured the barefoot running was to blame. I just did too much, too fast. Just like they warn you about. So it's my fault. But, the xrays didn't indicate any fracture. Maybe some of the recent posters didn't read that far into my long winded post..

It's just tendinitis. Did 3 miles today and it feels fine. Will wait another few days and try it again.. see how it goes. No biggy.

Well, I think I may be in this boat as well. (or, "boot" as the case may be).

Sigh.

It looks like I may have fractured one of my metatarsals sometime over the past three weeks. Naturally, I just tried to "walk it off" but it wasn't getting any better. Last week, in a class I was teaching, there was a Certified Tennis Instructor. She asked a few questions, and then made me aware of the possible injury.

When I went to the Wikipedia, it stated that the injury is common among athletes and soldiers.

"Oh how butch!", I thought.

Upon further reading, I realized that I needed an Aircast. I went and bought one. You'd link that fcuker was Gucci! Oy, the price! I didn't have time to get on ala Amazon or the like. Thing thing better get me laid or something. Heck, it cost enough.